Notes from the Director: A New Chapter
After a planning process that began in the fall of 2024, it is with great excitement we announce the 2025 Colorado Resiliency Framework is now available! We once again want to thank the 600+ Coloradans who contributed their ideas and solutions to develop a document that will help strengthen Colorado communities.
The 2025 Framework is the third update, and each version of the Framework reflects its time as new challenges emerge and as best practices evolve.
As the statewide Colorado Resiliency Working Group shifts from planning to implementation of this new Framework, we will build on the lessons learned from past challenges, address current challenges, and prepare for the future.
We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and continuing this work with our State agency partners and tapping into the incredible knowledge and resources available in networks across this state. We know there are a multitude of great efforts underway across all sectors, and with collaboration we can position ourselves to be proactive to the challenges on the horizon.
Thank you for being part of this important work alongside us.
Be well,
Anne Miller and the CRO team
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What's New at CRO?
 The 2025 Colorado Resiliency Framework is Finally Here!
We are excited to announce the long-awaited 2025 Colorado Resiliency Framework is officially here! This statewide plan to help Colorado and its communities prepare for, and adapt to current and future challenges was created with a lot of thoughtful input and engagement over the last year. We are excited to share this third edition that is going to take our work to the next level!
Dive Into the Framework Through Our New Video and April Resiliency Conversation
Want to know more about the new Colorado Resiliency Framework? Check out our new video about it or read more in our April Resiliency Conversation. Both cover what's different about this new plan from the previous version and how the State of Colorado will use it to become stronger and more resilient!
 CRO Serves on State Task Forces
The CRO is providing subject matter expertise to two very important task forces recently activated by Governor Polis.
- The Drought Task Force, announced last month, will coordinate across agencies and local partners to monitor conditions and elevate emerging impacts of this year’s anticipated severe drought.
- The Ponderosa Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force (MPB), was launched in response to the significant and expanding mountain pine beetle outbreak affecting ponderosa pine forests along Colorado’s Front Range. The MPB Task Force is charged with developing coordinated, science-based strategies to protect Colorado’s forests, communities, critical infrastructure, and water resources over the next decade.
Note: Both task forces are information-sharing and coordination bodies, they are not decision-making or regulatory entities. We will share more information as it becomes available.
CRO at the Wildland Fire Conference
 The CRO participated in the 2026 Wildland Fire Conference in Fort Collins.
- Anne Miller, CRO Director, was featured as a conference keynote speaker. Her presentation focused on the connection between building holistic resilience by elevating the voices of local partners.
- Marguerite Harden, Senior Resilience Manager, led a panel discussion on the rollout and implementation of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and how adoption of these codes is advancing community safety and resiliency from wildfires, as well as challenges and future opportunities.
CSU Place-Based Vulnerability Workshop
Shayle Sabo, Resiliency Program Manager, contributed to a workshop hosted by Colorado State University that brought together vulnerability and adaptation experts to address challenges associated with place-based adaptation. “Place-based Adaptation” refers to the unique contexts, social and cultural ties, or specific ecological considerations that are integral to successful localized adaptation strategies.
Resiliency News
 CDOT Triples Fire Mitigation Efforts
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) continues to exemplify resilience and adaptation. Due to low snowfall this winter, CDOT is reallocating $12 million in unspent snowplowing funds to triple their roadside wildfire mitigation efforts. Mitigation work will begin mid-April and will span from Teller and El Paso County to Larimer County and from Jefferson County to Garfield County.
Forest Conditions Report
The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), as part of the five-year review of the 2020 Colorado Forest Action Plan, recently released a map depicting accomplishments toward goals for the “Forest Conditions” aspect of this plan. Interested in learning about other achievements involving projects in this plan? Check out the five-year review homepage.
Funding Highlights
 Office of Health Innovation: Innovative Health IT (Information Technology) Project Grants
Local governments, non-profits, and Tribal Nations are invited to apply for this grant to support new ideas that improve community health through technology.
- Application Period: April 1 - 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis, and contracts executed by July 1.
Circular Action Alliance: Help Expand Recycling Access in Your Community
Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program is expanding access to residential recycling statewide. Help spread the word to waste collectors in your community:
- In communities where residents choose their own trash and recycling haulers, local waste collectors can get reimbursed for offering free recycling to residential customers.
- Participation is optional, and support is available.
- Get started at CAA’s Reimbursement webpage. Initial forms take less than 30 minutes and are due by April 30, 2026.
Energy Code Adoption and Enforcement Grant
The Energy Code Adoption and Enforcement grant opportunity offers funding from the Colorado Energy Office to offset the cost of adoption of International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), or equivalent code, the State’s model electric ready and solar ready code or an equivalent code, and the model low energy and carbon code.
The current application round closes May 29, 2026.
Public Education, Participation, and Outreach Grant Program (PEPO)
The Colorado Water Conservation Board provides grant funding that supports statewide education and outreach initiatives alongside each of the state’s basin roundtables. Deadlines to apply are June 1, 2026.
Agrivoltaics Research and Demonstration Grant Program
This grant offered through the Colorado Department of Agriculture encourages innovative projects, including demonstrations of agrivoltaics, research projects, and outreach campaigns to further agrivoltaics and Colorado’s agricultural economy. Local governments are eligible to apply, with applications closing on June 15, 2026.
Events
 Trees in the West
May 13, 2026, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | CSU Spur Campus and Virtual | Event Information
This one-day conference on urban and community forestry will explore ways to sustain trees and communities by learning widely from different people and sources of knowledge. The 2026 event centered on practical approaches for working effectively with residents and partners to develop and maintain urban tree canopy.
Peer Exchange for Colorado’s 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) Implementation
May 6, 2026, 2 - 3 p.m. | Virtual | Register for CWRC Peer Exchange
The Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), in partnership with the DLG’s Colorado Resiliency Office (CRO), hosts a monthly Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) Implementation Peer Exchange for adoption of the recently released CWRC. Please register to attend and receive peer exchange-related email updates.
NOTE: The meetings are not open to the general public; the Peer Exchange is for implementing agencies and partners only.
State Revolving Fund Regional Workshops in Lamar
Monday, May 18, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Lamar Cultural Event Center | RSVP to workshop
The Colorado State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program is hosting an in-person workshop for local government decision-makers, finance staff, and operators, along with private nonprofits that operate drinking water systems. We will cover topics including:
- SRF basics
- Funding options for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure
- Planning, asset management, available technical assistance
We will also have staff available to answer questions about specific projects and discuss situations unique to your community.
- Coffee and Check-in will start at 9:30 a.m. with presentations beginning at 10 a.m.
- Lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
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